FREQUENCY OF MENINGOENCEPHALITIS IN CANCER PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of meningoencephalitis in cancer patients

Study Design: Cross sectional study

Study p1ace and period: Department of Medicine, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Center Lahore from 04 May 2025 till 04 August 2025.

Methodology: One hundred and sixty five patients were included from OPD and underwent plain MRI brain. Findings were recorded and if there was presence of leptomeningeal enhancement, along with distension of the subarachnoid space with widening of interhemispheric fissure, then meningoencephalitis was labeled. All data will be recorded in Performa and analyzed via SPSS.

Results: The mean age of cancer patients was 43.55 ± 14.59 years. There were about 86 (52.1%) male patients and 79 (47.9%) female patients. Mostly patients present during stage II and III [76 (46.1%) each], while 13 (7.9%) patients were diagnosed with cancer at stage I. Out of 165 patients, 45 (27.3%) were receiving chemotherapy, 49 (29.7%) were receiving radiotherapy and 71 (43.0%) were receiving combination of both. Out of 165 patients, 25 (15.15%) were diagnosed to have meningoencephalitis. It is significantly associated with age and type of cancer (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The frequency of meningoencephalitis is detected in significant number of cases and is associated with worsening of condition of cancer patient.